Delightful article. This is a vision straight out of Roger Cohen's Euroworld . . . liberal, cosmopolitan & not one Middle Eastern or African migrant in sight (but make no mistake, they're out there on the edge of the city, not to the delight of the Roman lumpen mob). Sip on, amici, while you can . . .
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Why NO PROSECCO? For over 30 years I've drunk a stripped down version of the Spritz, 1 part Campari to 4 or 5 parts prosecco and it seems fine to me. About 10 years ago Fergus Henderson in one of his cookbooks mentioned an even simpler version, he writes "It's known in Italy as a Bicyclette, as old men drink it and then wobble home on their bikes," plain dry white wine and Campari. And that has been my daily aperitivo ever since.
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What you're describing - 1 part Campari, 3-4 parts prosecco - is a Spritz.
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The Hotel Locarno off Piazza di Popoli fills the bill as well. lovely bar and courtyard
Love Hotel Locarno!
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Elizabeth Minchilli is the best!
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Grazie!!!!
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Nothing like the secreted strong drink, to get you in the mood, or out of the mood - for what? before you get on the xxx train from Grand Central!
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Had a rhumbero and Coca Cola at Cara Mia in Soth Beach last night. Seems to fit the bill! :-)
We stayed at the elegant Inn at the Spanish Steps in early November, where we enjoyed magnificent Negronis accompanied by a delicious selection of snacks, served on their lovely roof terrace.
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I love that hotel! They also have a sister hotel in Monti, the Inn at the Roman Forum, that has a terrace overlooking the Forum.
This past week in between sessions of a film festival, a group of us did exactly this. And what a pleasure it was. Plonk in downtown Missoula, Montana isn't quite Rome but our Aperitivo was delighful nonetheless. Can't wait for warmer weather so we can move it outside.
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Doesn't matter where you are. That's the beauty of Aperitivo. It's a state of mind.
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When you mentioned "an elegant hotel bar in Rome" at the beginning of your article, exactly the Stravinskij at the Hotel de Russie came to my mind!Absolutely beautiful and well worth a visit, particularly in warmer weather when one can sit outside. It is near Piazza del Popolo. I also recommend Elizabeth Minchilli's food blog (Elizabeth Minchilli in Rome) about food, restaurants and experiences in Italy. Cynar is an amaro based on artichokes and various herbs. Often so much wonderful finger food is brought during the aperitivo time, that there is no room for dinner! And no waiter ever rushes one to get out.
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Thank you! And of all the things I love about the Bar at the Russie: how about those olives? Are they the biggest and greenest ever? Also, the outside terrace is divine in the warmer months.
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One of the more memorable aperitivo's I had was a by-chance Negroni in the lobby bar of the Mediterraneo Hotel in Rome. I was very surprised a few evenings ago while watching HBO's "Young Pope" when the same bar was featured in an episode when the Pope (Jude Law) and his Cardinal buddy escaped the Vatican to buy some cigarettes. Brought back memories of a wonderful twilight and a soothing cocktail.
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So funny, I was just talking about what a great setting the Mediterranean Hotel Bar is! It's one of the great un-sung bars in Rome with the original art deco decoration.
Italian happy hours are wonderful. Typically, the price of a drink goes UP, not down, as in the US. However this covers the cost of the inevitable delightful food spread. It's wonderful to sit outside and sip, nosh and watch the world go by.
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